Imphal, April 21
District Forest Officer (DFO) Thoubal, RK Amarjit today intervene large scale earth excavation by cutting trees at Seram Hills in Kairembikhok area of Thoubal district. A case has also been registered against the illegal excavation of forest land by the DFO.
Talking to media persons, Amarjit said that the area where illegal earth excavation are taking place for soil collection by cutting the large number of trees is under the jurisdiction of the Gwarok Reserved Forest. He said the trees that have been cut down illegally have been counted and will be collected at the earliest possible time.
He also added that the department have been planning for planting of saplings at the area where the excavation is being taken place.
According to the Indian forest Act 1927 and Forest Conservation Act 1980 those responsible in excavation and collection of soil by cutting trees are punishable.
DFO, RK.Amarjit further added that elected persons of Wangjing Tentha Assembly constituency came to his office for seeking permission of constructing a road at foothills where the large scale excavation is being taken place. They also mentioned that concerned Minister had already granted permission.
As per ruling of the Manipur High court, collection of soil, carrying out excavation by cutting trees at reserved forest areas – either it may be private or government properties, is totally banned . The DFO appealed the people to co-operate with the Forest department in conservation of the forest properties as it directly affects the climate change.
It may be mentioned that MLA Paonam Brojen had visited the place and inspected for taking up some construction works some days back. Co-incidentally the excavation of the forest land and the cutting of the trees started since Thursday last after his visit.